A proposed New York Senate budget would push state spending to a record level and raise billions in new taxes, according to State Sen. Tom O’Mara.
O’Mara, a Republican from Big Flats and ranking member of the Senate Finance Committee, criticized the Senate Democrat majority’s “one-house” budget resolution approved March 12.
He said the plan calls for nearly $270 billion in total state spending, about $7 billion more than Gov. Kathy Hochul’s proposed $262.7 billion executive budget and more than $16 billion above current spending.
According to Senate Republican finance staff, the proposal would also include nearly $6 billion in higher personal income and corporate taxes.
The legislative plan comes as the Senate and Assembly pass their own budget resolutions before negotiating a final spending plan with Hochul. State leaders aim to approve a final budget by April 1.
O’Mara argued the proposal would worsen affordability and economic pressures across the state.
“The Senate Democrat budget is a fantasy, but it’s a very scary and concerning fantasy for the future of New York State,” O’Mara said.
He added that the spending plan would make living in New York more expensive and could push businesses and residents to leave the state.
If enacted, O’Mara said, total state spending would have increased by at least $95 billion since 2018, when Democrats gained full control of state government.
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